Identifying and Tracking Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics in Amplatz Children's Hospital

Abstract

There is a belief that tap water in the hospital is safe and free of microorganisms. However, this is not always true because unsuitable quantities of bacteria can be present in tap water. Without regular flush of water, significant bacterial contamination can accumulate in the showerheads and sinks of patient rooms.

Unlike other healthy individuals, patients in the hospital are susceptible to opportunistic pathogens that can initiate from the tap water. Antibiotic resistant organisms are of particular interest because they are the most difficult and costly to treat, and resistance can be transferred between bacteria.

Amplatz Children’s Hospital will be opening to patients in April 2011. To ensure water quality and avoid nosocomial infections, the water in Amplatz Children’s Hospital has been sampled. The water has been tested for contamination and the microbes have been examined for antibiotic resistance.